Learn to Ski or Snowboard

Six ski areas in the Poconos offer great trails for beginners as well as ski and snowboard lessons that make learning easy and fun!

Conveniently located within about two hours' driving distance from New York City and Philadelphia, the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania is the perfect backdrop for your first time skiing or first time snowboarding. Our six ski resorts love to welcome beginners, and they all offer world-class programs, ski lessons and snowboarding lessons to introduce you to the slopes. Whether you’re signing up your kids or looking to get into downhill winter sports for the first time an adult, our instructors are some of the best in the industry, welcoming guests with a smile and walking you step-by-step through everything you need to know to start safely enjoying yourself on the trails.

Ski lessons in the Pocono are offered a la cart or as part of packages that may include lift tickets and ski and snowboard equipment rentals. A beginner ski package is generally the most cost-effective way to get on the mountain and master the basics with help from professionals. Keep reading to find the lesson that's just right for you. We hope to see you on the slopes in the Poconos this winter and for many winters to come!

Map - Ski Areas
Private Lessons
Kid's Lessons
Group Lessons
Advanced Lessons & Adult Programs

Map - Ski Areas

Private Lessons

Learn one-on-one with a pro! Each mountain offers private lessons with experienced instructors who provide coaching tailored to your individual learning pace and skill level. With personalized instruction, you'll be gliding down the mountain in no time. Click below to learn more about private lessons at Pocono ski areas:

Blue Mountain Resort | Big Boulder Ski Area & Jack Frost Mountain | Camelback Mountain | Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

A ski instructor wearing a yellow jacket that reads "Shawnee Mountain" instructs a woman on proper technique

Kid's Lessons

Get your kids out onto the mountain to learn how to ski or snowboard! Pocono ski resorts offer a variety of interactive and fun lessons taught by some of the best instructors in the country. Children's programs are available for guests ages three and older. Your kids will fall in love with winter sports as so many others have over the years in the Pocono Mountains. Click below to explore camps and children's ski programs in the Poconos:

Blue Mountain Resort's Explorers Lessons and Winter Adventure Camp
Big Boulder Ski Area & Jack Frost Mountains's Child Ski & Ride Lessons
Camelback Mountain's Ski & Ride Academy
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area's Children's Programs
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain's Snow Sports Lessons for Kids

A young girl wearing ski gear smiles and holds up her glove-covered hands

Group Lessons

Group lessons are a great introductory way to get into skiing or snowboarding. You’re placed into groups with other first-timers in a similar ability and age range. Group lessons are usually offered at different times throughout the day and typically last from 45 minutes to an hour. Click below to find details about group ski lessons in the Poconos:

Blue Mountain Resort | Big Boulder Ski Area & Jack Frost Mountain | Camelback Mountain | Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

A group of five women and one man pose with their snowboards outside a ski lodge

Advanced Lessons & Adult Programs

If you're already comfortable on the slopes, Pocono ski areas offer travel teams and developmental programs as well as advanced lessons to help you hone your skills. Sign up for one-on-one ski or snowboard instruction for adults at Big Boulder Ski Area and Jack Frost Mountain, or explore the multi-week learning and competitive programs at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.

Three snowboarders on a wide open downhill run

Get out of the city, take a short drive to the Poconos, and begin your skiing or snowboarding journey! Be sure to check each ski area's website ahead of time to confirm hours and offerings, and even book your lesson, rentals, lift ticket or package online. Keep an eye on snow conditions in the area, take advantage of special offers, and reserve ski and stay packages at local lodgings. Browse our blog for even more tips for your first time skiing or snowboarding, and find out what you need to know for ski season opening and which ski resort is right for you.